Benefits of Running

Running is the purest and simplest form of exercise. In most cases it is the first strenuous activity we perform. We learn to walk, and then we move faster and progress to running. As children we benefit from running without realizing it.

Running, jogging and walking are exercise, recreations and sports. Almost all sports require running. Running is a sport itself. Sprinters to ultra-marathoners to power walkers are all runners and athletes.

Why do we run? We run for many reasons. We run to condition our bodies for other activities. We run to train for running events. We run to strengthen our heart and lungs. We run to burn calories. We run to build endurance. We run to lower our resting heart rate. We run to lower our heart rate recovery. We run to clear our minds. We run because we love to run. We run for fun. Whatever our reasons for running, starts us running and keeps us running.

Runners enjoy the burn in their lungs. Runners enjoy the challenge of getting from the starting line to the finish line. Runners enjoy beating their personal records. Runners enjoy the isolation and the companionship of other runners. Runners enjoy the fresh air, the sunshine and the vitamin D. Runners enjoy the “Runner’s high” or the “endorphins kicking in.” Runners enjoy their second wind. Runners enjoy the run.

Motion pictures such as Rocky, Chariots of Fire and Forrest Gump showcase running and inspire us to run. Once every four years we’re glued to the TV to watch the worlds greatest runners compete in Olympic track and field.

Run for your health. Strengthening of the cardiovascular system occurs due to the increase in heart rate and intensity. During exercise the muscles require more oxygen, thus the heart pumps faster and harder. This strengthens the intensity of each heartbeat. Therefore at rest, the heart beat is stronger and occurs at a slower pace.

Sprinting is classified as anaerobic exercise. In anaerobic training the body relies on energy stored in the muscles for fuel. The heart responses to anaerobic exercise by increasing the rate of beats per minute and by strengthening its contraction. This strengthens the heart and helps to lower your resting heart rate and your heart rate recovery.

Build leg strength by running. Running develops lower body power and stamina. The musculo-skeletal system benefits from runs of all durations and intensities.

The benefits of running don’t stop with the heart, lungs and muscles. Exercise excites the mind and the body. Exercise is the best anti-depressant. Running lifts our spirits and clears our thinking process. Many great leaders made decisions while walking. Many legendary thinkers formulated ideas while taking a walk.

Dr. Donald A. Ozello DC writes a weekly health, fitness, exercise and nutrition column for The Las Vegas Informer. His is also published in OnFitness magazine, LiveStrong.com, SpineUniverse.com, MyHealthZine.com and EHow.com.

Dr. Donald A. Ozello DC is an award-winning public speaker. He has spoken to various groups on health, fitness, exercise and nutrition topics. His mission is to educate and inspire others to live healthier, fitter, more functional lives.

Dr. Donald A. Ozello DC loves to exercise. Bike riding and kettlebell training are his current favorite forms of exercises. He credits “The Godfather of Fitness” Mr. Jack LaLanne as an early influence on his life.

Before pursuing his career in Chiropractic, Dr. Donald A. Ozello DC served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Bremerton, SSN 698.